Firefighter union picks six council candidates

PORTSMOUTH — Pending contract negotiations were not considered when the city's firefighter union chose six candidates to endorse for City Council.

Adam Leech

PORTSMOUTH — Pending contract negotiations were not considered when the city's firefighter union chose six candidates to endorse for City Council.

The Portsmouth Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1313, announced this week their endorsement of Ken Smith, Nancy Novelline Clayburgh, Jerry Hejtmanek, Laura Pantelakos, Bob Lister and Chris Dwyer for council. The endorsements were decided by the union's political action committee, who invited all council candidate to interview for their endorsement.

Union President Rick Condon said the committee was given specific instructions not to discuss contracts, overtime or retirement when talking to candidates. Both the firefighters and fire officers unions have been without a new contract since July 2008, but the union felt that should not be part of their consideration.

"We didn't want them to get jammed up and have people thinking we're trying to negotiate in this committee," said Condon. "We were very specific to talk about general issues involving finances, the economy, tax base, those kinds of things."

Condon said negotiations have come to a standstill, but they are hoping to get back on track after the election on Nov. 3. He said the unions still hope to negotiate with the current council and have something in place before the new council is seated in January. The council rejected a proposed contract in June.

What the union was looking for were answers that showed candidates' stances were in line with those of the unions when it comes to striking a balance between services the taxpayers want and what they can afford. Condon said the union also wanted to know the candidates were willing to listen to them when issues come up.

"The Portsmouth City Council has been challenged with some of the most difficult financial decisions in recent city history ... This interaction gave us a chance to discuss the issues facing the city of Portsmouth and make a decision based on who we think can get the job done at City Hall," said Condon. "We would like to thank all of the candidates who took the time to meet with us."

Only six candidates were chosen, though nine will be elected, because the union felt they were the only candidates who answered the questions to their liking. Condon said the union has done endorsements in the past, including the previous municipal election in 2007, but usually does not endorse a full council.

City police unions, which also do not have a contract, have also chosen candidates to endorse, but on Wednesday it was not clear when that list will be released.

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